Rivers: Wike backs Chinda as APC gubernatorial candidate, citing his political pedigree.

During a tour of key projects in Abuja on Monday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike publicly endorsed Kingsley Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor of Rivers State.

Wike said Chinda’s experience and “political pedigree” make him well‑qualified for the governorship. “A good product markets itself,” the minister remarked. “Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material. He is quite experienced. He has worked with the executive and now in the legislature.” He added that Chinda’s credentials and public acceptance make his emergence unsurprising.

Wike also praised the progress of infrastructure projects across Abuja, noting that several were ready for inauguration. He said the work reflected President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to visible governance through infrastructural renewal. “I think today is one of the happiest days. The projects we inspected, obviously, they are ready for inauguration,” he said.

First, Wike inspected the Renewed Hope City road project in Karsana, which he said was about 98 percent complete. He commended Lubriks Construction Company for its “excellent delivery.” He also expressed satisfaction with the Old Keffi Road and Dei‑Dei road projects, noting that asphalt work had largely finished while streetlight installation was ongoing.

At the Airport Road to Kuje Road project, managed by Arab Contractors, Wike described the work as “fantastic,” adding that the road would significantly improve connectivity and boost economic activity in the area. “I’m sure anybody who goes there will admire it and that is what is called governance. We are very proud of the contractors and what they have done,” he said.

The minister then visited the Kuje‑Gwagwalada road project, executed by Gilmor Engineering Limited, where he noted that infrastructure development had transformed the area’s landscape. “You can see how infrastructure has changed the entire landscape of the Kuje area,” he said.

Wike also toured the City Gate project, handled by Julius Berger, describing the transformation as a major facelift for the capital city. According to him, the project—initiated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu—will redefine Abuja’s entrance, especially at night. “When you have a good woman who means well for the administration of her husband, I’m talking about the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, this is her brainchild,” he said. “I’m happy with the contractor. They promised that by the end of May or first week of June they would hand over this project and they have kept to time. Anybody who passes here in the night will see a different city when they are coming in. They will know they are coming to the capital of Nigeria.”